Ohio State's LaQuinton Ross drives past Dayton's Devin Oliver during the second-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., on March 20. / AP

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| CentralOhio.com

COLUMBUS — LaQuinton Ross, a junior on the Ohio State men’s basketball team, notified the coaching staff Friday he will forgo his senior year of eligibility to pursue a professional basketball career.

Ross, a 6-foot-8 forward from Jackson, Miss., led the Buckeyes in scoring with 15.2 points per game this season. He also was the team’s top rebounder at 5.9 boards per game. Ross started all 35 games as a junior and appeared in 81 during his career. He scored 858 career points (10.6 ppg.) on 299 of 662 shooting from the field (.452).

“My experience at Ohio State has been incredible,” Ross said. “Coach Matta, my teammates and the staff were amazing to work with on a daily basis. My goal has always been to play at the next level and I believe now is the best time.”

Ross is the second Buckeye to leave school early this year for pro ball. Sophomore Amadeo Della Valle announced his intention to turn pro last week and signed with a European professional league.

Ross and Della Valle are the ninth and 10th Buckeyes to leave school early for pro basketball in coach Thad Matta’s 10 years in Columbus.

Matta said Ross made significant contributions during his Ohio State career.

“LaQuinton was an instrumental part of our success over the last three years,” Matta said. “His goal is to compete at the highest level possible. He will have that opportunity because of the work he has put in to prepare for this day. He will be missed at Ohio State and we wish him nothing but the very best.”